Sunday, November 26, 2006

A NEW VICTORY....THE EARLY MORNING WALK!!!

I NEVER imagined that I would be injured and just walking would become a luxury. I've always been the "tough as nails" kind of person who would just "guts" her way through aches and pains. However, this summer, I shattered my left ankle, wore a cast for four months, and only recently started intense physical therapy (four hours per week!). Walking briskly took on a whole new meaning. I found myself, as I read blogs of people running and walking, yearning to get out there and put some pavement under my feet and go at a quick clip! Like my dear friend Eileen Thompson, who has also suffered a life-changing injury, I had a new view of how precious walking is. Suddenly, I appreciated as never before, the feet God had given me that had carried me without complaint for almost sixty years. I appreciated the ankles that had loyally bent and twisted however I had wanted. I knew that I had, once again, taken important parts of my body for granted! While it may not seem like a big deal compared to those who do miles and miles of running, it has been a true JOY to start taking early morning walks in my neighborhood. Often I do it in the dark. Today I did it as the light was coming up! I bundled up in my fleece :) jacket, put on a warm vest and scarf, and took off at what is now a good pace for me. Years ago, without much training, I ran Bloomsday in one hour and twenty minutes. I felt really proud and even cocky about the shape I was in. Today I walked THREE blocks and there isn't a cocky bone in my body! I am only GRATEFUL beyond words! As I left the driveway, and my way was lit by the thousands of small white lights I've put on our trees, I told God how sorry I was that I have often taken my sacred body for granted, and that I am so happy to walk again! Those three blocks were a VICTORY for me!!! God Bless! Love, Linda

8 comments:

The Farrell Family said...

Small steps all add up Mom. I'm proud of how well you've handled this injury. As someone who knows about long term pain... I know that it isn't easy to stap optimistic and positive. Sounds like you've learned some great lessons through this experience.

All in all though, I'm looking forward to this summer when you'll be pain free :)

Anonymous said...

I am someone who can understand what you were saying in this post. I am grateful every day I am ablw to do the things I am able to do. . . . You are a blessing.

Anonymous said...

I am someone who can understand what you were saying in this post. I am grateful every day I am ablw to do the things I am able to do. . . . You are a blessing.

Anonymous said...

I am someone who can understand what you were saying in this post. I am grateful every day I am ablw to do the things I am able to do. . . . You are a blessing.

Anonymous said...

I love you and am proud of you for reflecting and not taking things for granted... and also for getting back in the saddle again. I love you... you really are tough as nails.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your "3 block" VICTORY!!!!!!!!

If I were there I would give you a big hug and high five.........

Isn't it amazing that in America we have so much to be thankful for and yet we take so many things forgranted, especially the little things, like walking....

I am inspired by your new found gratefullness and I am proud of you for choosing to be motivated by your injury..........

It seems like it has become the American Way to live our lives recklessly, with little or no concern or investment in our physical health.......

I think most people take their physical health forgranted until they loose it........

It seems like we spend our prime years focusing on trying to acquire wealth...then we end up spending our wealth trying to re-acquire our health........

Consider me part of your cheer squad for your journey to honor your physical body and not take it forgranted..............

The line from your post that made me chuckle the most was "Today I walked THREE blocks and there isn't a cocky bone in my body!"

You Go Girlfriend, I am cheering loud for you..........

With Love.. from One of your Fans.

Anonymous said...

Way to go Linda! I totally understand the struggle and am inspired by your post!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Linda! Keep up the exercise and enjoy the rewards. I'm glad your ankle's ready to take on the challenge, and am delighted for your victory (and the savoring of it)!

Love,
Tim

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